Flames 2000 Entry Draft Review Part 2

By pbadmin

June 28th, 2000

Day two saw the Flames still thinking BIG, three of their six picks on Sunday were a massive 6’2″, 6’3″, and 6’4″. “I had a plan. I wanted us to get bigger” says Mckenzie. And did they ever. Think back to the glory days in Calgary, size does matter. Mckenzie also stole another gem of a netminder in Levente Szuper of the Ottawa 67’s, taking Ottawa to the memorial cup in 99.

116th overall , Calgary selected Ottawa 67’s netminder Levente Szuper. This 5’11” 20 year old has sensational speed, and is excellent on his feet. At 187 lbs Szuper has tremendous endurance, logging over 50 games last season. His 2.56 GAA gave him 3rd overall in the OHL , also boasting a .918 save percentage tying him for the league lead. With Szuper playing two full seasons with Ottawa we’ll most likely see him in Saint John playing for the baby Flames next season.

In the fifth round Calgary added to their list of WHL prospects choosing Wade Davis of the Calgary Hitmen, and Travis Moen of the Kelowna Rockets. Davis is a solid defensive defenseman recording 3g-15a and an impressive +32 rating last season for the Hitmen. Central Scouting ranked Davis 51st before saturdays draft. At only 18 this 6’4″ giant has some time to progress and develop into a major force on the blueline.

Travis Moen was selected 155th overall, Calgary’s fourth WHL prospect. Playing for the Kelowna Rockets last season Moen tallied 9g-6a in 66 games. At 6’2″ and 198lbs Moen loves the physical play. Look for Moen to continue developing with the Rockets squad next season.

In the sixth round Calgary grabbed Jukka Hentunen from the HPK Hameenlinna. This sniper from Finalnd notched 17g 28a in 53 games last season. With 76 penalty minutes he’s no stranger to the physical play either. With the two year rule in place Calgary will keep a close eye on Hentunen, for his journey to the NHL has just began.

David Hajek was selected in the eighth round 239th overall, a defenseman from the Czech Republic. Playing for Chomutov David scored 1g and 6a in 28 games. A big boy at 6’3″ 194 lbs this D-man will certainly stand out in this years Flames camp.

The steal of the draft may well be Calgary’s last selection Micki Dupont. This Kamloops Blazer blueliner was named the canadian major junior defenseman of the year. With 28 goals and 88 points Dupont led the league in points for defenseman last season. If there was a concern with Dupont it would be his size, at only 5’8″ 180lbs he may be a little small for the big leagues. Then again isn’t that what they said about Mr. Fleury?

Overall Calgary did a good job in this years draft. Filling the hole between the pipes with two outstanding goaltenders as well as bringing back Mr. Vernon on Friday. Size was also a trend in this years draft for Calgary, bringing in a few giants on Defense as well as up front. Button and the crew are making some magic here in Calgary, and its only July!